My name is Emily Solano, and I was born and raised in Washington. I am a student at Skagit Valley College. I decided to pursue a teaching career because I love working with students. I want to make a difference, so I decided to become a teacher, particularly for kindergarten or first grade.
My parents came here from Mexico, and it wasn’t an easy start for us. They struggled to find jobs and stabilize in a house. We lived with five different family members in one house, making it really hard to be stable, especially with food and clothes. It was tough, but over time, we were able to stabilize in our own home. This encouraged me to study hard in school. I want to be the first in my family to graduate from college and make my parents proud.
College is really expensive, even for just a few classes. Not everyone can afford it, and it’s tough when you’re in a difficult financial position. You have bills to pay and other expenses, and sometimes there’s not enough left for college. If college were free, it would help so many students who struggle financially, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of money. We wouldn’t have to worry about our futures.
I have faced financial barriers in accessing higher education. Before applying for financial aid, I wasn’t sure I could afford college. My dad’s income was a bit higher at one point, making it harder to get financial help. This made me question if I should even be in college. Although I eventually got financial aid, you have to reapply every two years, which is stressful because you don’t know if you’ll be approved again.
Guaranteeing the first two years of college free for everyone would be a huge help. It would allow students to focus on their careers without worrying about tuition. The money saved could be used for books, school materials, and even household expenses. It would alleviate the tight financial positions many college students find themselves in.
Students also need support when it comes to wraparound services like housing, food, childcare, and transportation. Expanding these services would positively impact students’ well-being and success. Many students, especially those with children, struggle to balance their studies with their responsibilities at home. More support would mean less stress and a better chance of succeeding academically.
Emily Solano, Mount Vernon